10 years of Urban Tapestry

Outside the recording studio for our first album (1993)


I used to swear that I would never sing in public. When I first began to attend open filk circles, it took all my courage to open up my flute case and take out my instrument. Took even more courage to actually start playing it. But singing? Forget it.

Then I met Allison and Jodi. I love hearing them sing. Allison's smokier folky voice and Jodi's sultry "torch song" voice blend incredibly well, the contrasting vocal textures enhancing each other. I was happy just playing flute accompaniment.

If Urban Tapestry was just a music group, I would likely still just be playing flute. But over the years, the three of us have become good friends, and the trust and encouragement fostered within the circle of our friendship has resulted in each of us growing as musicians and songwriters.

I remember being terrified the first time I tried adding a harmony to an Urban Tapestry song. My voice was shaking so much that it was hard to stay on key. Allison and Jodi were so supportive, however, that I was encouraged to keep trying. And while I am far from being nearly as good a singer as Allison and Jodi, I no longer hate my voice. Well, at least not nearly as much as before. :-)

The first track on our new CD is "The Friendship Song", a three part a capella song I wrote and arranged specifically for our three voices. I figured out the three lines on manuscript paper first, then taught Allison and Jodi their parts. When we finally put everything together, I remember getting SO excited that I'm sure Allison and Jodi thought I was going to pass out.

We have had our ups and downs over the years, like any friends; we've all grown accustomed to each other's strengths, weaknesses and quirks. :-) Whenever one of us needs a shoulder to lean on, the other two are always there. One of my favorite Urban Tapestry songs has always been "Days We Spend Together" (co-written by Allison and Jodi), not only because of the way it perfectly captures the essence of our friendship, but also the heart of what I love most about the filk community.

Allison has put together a fantastic scrapbook of memories from the 10 years of Urban Tapestry and special message board. Please do drop by for a visit!

August/2003 comments: Read | Post | LJ